Govind Sandhu, the head of TikTok Australia’s Global Music Partnerships, recently revealed a deeply personal and shocking health update. At just 38 years old, Sandhu has been diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This revelation came as a surprise to many, especially considering Sandhu’s active and health-conscious lifestyle.
In a heartfelt Instagram video, Sandhu shared his disbelief and the unexpected nature of his diagnosis. “This wasn’t exactly part of my five-year plan,” he said. “I thought I was in the best shape of my life, the healthiest I’ve ever been. A Crossfitter who runs ultra-marathons and marathons, lives and breathes training, optimizes sleep and recovery, supplements, nutrition.”
Sandhu’s journey to this diagnosis began in April when he returned to Sydney after an intense training period in Bali for a marathon. It was the day after completing a half marathon in May that he first noticed symptoms. “I just got really bad flu-like symptoms,” Sandhu explained in another video. “In particular, really bad body aches, as well as at the back of my neck all the way down to my shoulder. That night, I had wild body sweats, which would wake me up throughout the night, and I’d be absolutely drenched.”
Despite the severity of his condition, Sandhu has remained active on social media, providing updates on his treatment and how he is coping with the disease. His treatment plan includes six rounds of chemotherapy, administered every 21 days. “Daily movement,” he said on Instagram Stories on July 3. “A day after cycle two—a little bit of the chemo brain, AKA the brain fog, but not feeling too bad, all things considered. I slept OK, the bowels are moving, which was a bit of an issue straight after cycle one.”
Navigating the emotional toll of his diagnosis has been particularly challenging for Sandhu. “Cancer is so complicated, confusing and nuanced,” he shared. “When you first get diagnosed, it’s so overwhelming to understand what it actually means for you, and it is such a personalized journey. For me, it’s about taking it day by day and step by step. As I’ve said before, controlling what I can in terms of movement, nutrition, diet and do what I can.”
Sandhu’s diagnosis has been a wake-up call for many, emphasizing the importance of regular health check-ups. “You don’t know what you don’t know,” he later wrote on Instagram. “Book in for a general check-up, get your bloods done & speak to your GP. Pretty easy first step to be ahead of the game!”
In one of his posts, Sandhu shared a photo of the medication he takes for his cancer, humorously referring to them as his “cancer meds” that “supercharged” him for “chemo administration day.” He also posted a video in the car as he headed to Saint Vincent’s Private Hospital for a two-day chemotherapy session, maintaining a positive outlook. “To be honest, feeling up for it. Had a good night’s sleep, had a good dinner, had a lovely breakfast this morning. And the way that I look at it is that we are another step down on the road to recovery.”
Sandhu’s positive attitude has been a source of inspiration for many. He even shared a “tour de chemo ward” video, flashing a peace sign as he received his treatment. “Very lucky,” he captioned the video, updating followers after his second day of treatment. “Not feeling too bad,” he said, admitting that the first day was “so overwhelming.”
Despite the overwhelming nature of his diagnosis and treatment, Sandhu remains optimistic. “Super comfortable, very lucky,” he said. “All in all, a really successful day — all things considered.”
Sandhu’s journey is a testament to the unpredictability of life and the importance of resilience. His story serves as a reminder that even those who appear to be in the best of health can face unexpected challenges. Through his updates, Sandhu continues to inspire and educate others about the realities of living with cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection and maintaining a positive outlook.
Source: E! Online, People, The New York Post
